It’s the first available engine for renewable propane, also known as biopropane, that brings emission levels to “near-zero,” as defined by the California Air Resources Board, Roush explains.

“When commercial vehicles are equipped with our ultra-low NOx engines and fueled by renewable propane, they achieve near-zero emissions while still being financially viable for fleets,” says Todd Mouw, president of Roush CleanTech. “These clean-operating, medium-duty trucks, vans and buses enable fleets to take a giant leap toward meeting their state’s clean air standards, especially in California.”

Renewable propane is a non-fossil fuel produced from 100 percent renewable raw materials, such as waste, residue and sustainably produced vegetable oils. The company explains there is growing interest in renewable propane due to its near-zero emission levels, reduced greenhouse gases and ability to help meet growing demand for cleaner products.

The company says renewable propane can be used as a drop-in replacement fuel because it’s chemically nearly identical to conventional propane.

“Being relevant as an alternative fuel means constant innovation in technology for the equipment and the fuel,” says Tucker Perkins, president and CEO of the Propane Education & Research Council. “Renewable propane is just one example of that innovation, along with increasing engine efficiency and modern dispensers with near-zero emissions.”

Roush CleanTech unveiled the usage of renewable propane during a three-city road show in California last week. The event also covered federal and state funding opportunities available for near-zero emission vehicles, the company adds.

“Because of their clean-burning properties, propane-fueled vehicles should be very competitive when it comes to seeking funding,” Mouw says. “In California alone, there are several grants, rebates and incentives to help cover the costs of adopting emissions-reducing transportation technology.”

Earlier this year, Roush CleanTech received California Air Resources Board certification for its ultra-low nitrogen oxide 6.8-liter V10 3V propane engines for Class 4-7 vehicles. When fueled by traditional propane autogas, the engine is 90 percent cleaner than national emissions standards, the company says.